Anyone who has seen the Austin,TX based Penny And Sparrow perform live can attest to the raw emotional power that they possess using nothing more than two harmonious voices and an acoustic guitar or two. The duo comprised of Andy Baxter and Kyle Jahnke spin songs of love fought for, love lost and love redeemed, and on a warm night in March, we all fell a bit more in love with their music.

Penny And Sparrow were no stranger to the Cause A Scene stage, playing one of their very first shows ever outside the state of Texas with CAS in early 2013 and returning to play a Communion show a year or so later. Witnessing this band go from having 50 people show up in a small East Nashville studio to packing out a 350-capacity church, The Anchor, close to downtown was a sight to behold. Joining the duo that evening were Alex Page and Chris Jacobie, who brought layers and textures to Penny And Sparrow’s music that we had only heard on their records but had never witnessed live.

This performance of “Rattle”, filmed by Stephen Stonestreet and his team, was one of the many highlights of a night that left us all inspired and slack-jawed at the beauty of the music they create together. Get ready for the goosebumps, people, because this is simply gorgeous.

With all the craziness of this spring, we got a little behind on putting together a playlist featuring the best songs of March. Have no fear. We have 70+ of the very best songs from last month here for your listening enjoyment. There are songs from early Album of the Year contenders in Sufjan Stevens’ “All of Me Wants All of You”, Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” and Tobias Jesso Jr.’s “Can We Still Be Friends”. Top notch singles from Joy Williams, Son Little, Hillsong United and The Japanese House are here, too. With Nashville being the current mecca of incredible music, we’re also thrilled to have locals Anderson East (CAS house show alum), Andrew Combs, KOPECKY, JEFF The Brotherhood, Elliot Root, Jillian Jacqueline, Caroline Spence, Poema (CAS alum), CAPPA, Kirsten Arian, Foreign Fields (CAS alum), firekid, Mockingbird Sun (CAS alum), Liz Longley (CAS alum), Gill Landry and Lilly Hiatt on this brand new playlist.

So whether you’re into indie or Americana, hip hop or electronic, there is something hear for your eager ears to dig into. Let us know what your favorites are!

This past weekend we caught up with the Mockingbird Sun guys in advance of their album release show Friday night at Mercy Lounge (Tickets HERE) to chat about favorite songs and artists and influences on their new record, “This Is Real Life”. Here are the songs that have stuck with the guys. Steam the playlist via Spotify after the jump.

“If I Could Change Your Mind” – Haim – Their album was one of the best last year, and this track in particular is amazing

“Every Little Kiss” – Bruce Hornsby – Nostalgia City on this one, a great driving song.

“Most People” – Dawes – these guys write some of the most kick ass songs around.

“Burning” – Nightbox – we had a day off in South Padre Island, found this song and it stayed in repeat for two days.

“Lawyers, Guns and Money” – Warren Zevon – can’t get away from how groovy and smart this song is. Warren Zevon was able to be funny and profound at the same time.

“Love to get used” Matt Pond – Absolutely love the way this song feels. It’s just so cool. Even the guitar riff sounds like it doesn’t really give a shit.

“I’m Alive” – Jackson Browne – When this album came out in the 90’s, my dad had it on repeat in his Datsun. The whole record is full of great memories for me. Ironically, I’m pretty sure Jackson Browne wrote it about his divorce from Daryl Hannah. Music turns pain into beauty.

“Dreams” – Fleetwood Mac – This song is like a time machine for me. It’s such a twisted kind of love song. Stevie Nicks is haunting and Mick Fleetwood’s groove feels like the back seat of a Cadillac. I taught myself to sing harmony to this song.

“Call me Al” – Paul Simon – I used to ask my mom to put this song on after she picked me up from kindergarten. Paul Simon’s delivery is so bold and then so neurotic sounding at the same time. I hope pop music can get back to being this smart at some point…..Roly poly little bat-faced girl…..haha

“Take It Easy” – The Eagles – our favorite band. 3 guys singing together. nothing feels more ‘Mockingbird Sun’ to us than this band and this song.

“Wild & Young” – Amercan Bang – Jaren Johnston, who wrote this tune, produced our last record. we’re big fans of what he does. this song is just fun, crazyhearted & unapologetic, while feeling vintage. and loud.

“The City” – The 1975 – this band is wild. young & kinda couldn’t care less about what they say or do. and the drums are massive.

“‘Til I Hear It From You” – Gin Blossoms – we love bands that roll & jangle. these vocals are layered and work together so well. the whole song is just so melodic. it feels good. a story about a girl that helps the guy move towards redemption, he needs her. we relate.

I Ain’t Ever Satisfied – Steve Earle – Steve exudes rebellion. he’s really a tragic figure who just wants to find out how to love a woman. one our most influential artists. musically, it drives, a big chorus with ‘woahs’ and one repeated line. pure & simple. and it has ‘longing’, something we like to write about.

This past Friday night, we were all treated to a heartwarming, spine-tingling performance from the sisters of Joseph at Ausden Inc., one of the most incredible rooms in town for experiencing live acoustic music. Before the show, we were able to capture the girls performing “Tell Me There’s A Garden” off their debut album, “Native Dreamer Kin”, courtesy of our good friend Joe Gomez, who was generous enough to come film the takeaway video at the last minute.

Seeing Joseph perform a cappella prior to soundcheck what indicative of everything that was to come the rest of the night. Best of luck containing the goosebumps that are sure to appear on your arms once you hear this.